Travel
The ten greatest issues to do in Casco Viejo, Panama Metropolis
Each go to to Panama City ought to start in its historic, soulful previous city.
Recognized variously as Casco Viejo, Casco Antiguo and (the lesser-used) San Felipe, this neighborhood is all the time the hippest part of this cosmopolitan city. And it’s the place nearly everybody falls in love with Panama’s capital.
This compact, UNESCO-listed district is an excellent mixture of restored neoclassical, rainbow-hued buildings with romantic, wrought-iron balconies; centuries-old church buildings; open-air rooftop bars; and slim cobblestone streets.
Although humble in dimension, Casco Viejo is the place you’ll discover a lot of Panama Metropolis’s prime eating places and trendiest bars, and its historic buildings have scintillating tales to inform. Listed here are 10 methods to get to know this attractive neighborhood.
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1. Stroll Casco Viejo’s cobblestone streets
A stroll via Casco’s cobblestone streets is a rewarding exercise in itself. Alongside the neighborhood’s 4 palm-lined avenues and 4 primary plazas – Plaza de la Independencia, Plaza Herrera, Plaza Bolívar and Plaza de Francia – are constructions thirsty for a recent lick of paint, alongside restored constructions reimagined as residences and boutique lodges.
For a meal or refreshing drink, pop into Hotel la Compañia, constructed as a Jesuit convent in 1688, or the American Trade Hotel, which, in any respect of three tales, was as soon as the tallest constructing in the entire metropolis.
Vivid accents to the sharp contrasts between class and decay, quite a few murals by Rolando “Rolo” de Sedas enliven Casco’s streets. This Panamanian artist is understood for reworking city areas with colourful patriotic iconography.
Planning tip: Casco may be very protected to stroll round. Plus, though the realm is a vacationer hub, the streets are comparatively freed from hawkers – leaving you free to benefit from the road artwork, cool cafes and general ambiance in peace.
2. Study in regards to the nation’s star attraction: the Panama Canal
Constructing a cross-country canal to hyperlink the Pacific and Atlantic oceans was a wildly formidable concept – one which got here to fruition in matches and begins, and at a tragic value.
Work began on the now-iconic waterway in 1880, and by the point of its completion in 1914, some 25,000 staff on the mission had died, largely from tropical illnesses.
At this time, this extraordinary feat of engineering is the nation’s star attraction and a supply of nice nationwide delight. Whereas the Miraflores Locks are an essential stop for any visitor to Panama City, you may get an intro with out leaving Casco Viejo on the Interoceanic Canal Museum (often known as the Panama Canal Museum).
Positioned in one of many neighborhood’s most good-looking historic buildings, the museum shows pictures, paperwork and objects that narrate the historical past of the canal – and of the nation of Panama itself – in vivid trend.
3. See a real treasure at Iglesia de San José
Within the Iglesia de San José, the extraordinary Altar de Oro (Golden Altar) is a real treasure – with a legend to match.
The story goes that when Welsh privateer Henry Morgan launched his 1671 assault on Panamá Viejo – which resulted within the destruction of the unique Panama Metropolis – Jesuit monks painted the altarpiece black to disguise it, telling Morgan that one other pirate had already stolen it.
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The baroque altar was later moved to its present location in Casco Viejo, the place it stands right now – the one relic to have been salvaged after Morgan’s devastating assault.
4. Rock a Panama hat
Worn by everybody from gold rush pioneers to US presidents – to not point out spies the world over – the Panama hat has develop into synonymous with this Central American nation.
Really Ecuadorian in origin, these straw hats at the moment are bought in all places in Panama Metropolis, with costs ranging from US$15 at road stalls to US$800 in outlets.
At Victor’s Hats, rows of cabinets show quite a lot of kinds and colours. If doubtful, persist with the basic model, in pure tones.
Insider tip: As a basic rule, the tighter the weave, the pricier the hat.
5. Tuck into ceviche at Mercado de Mariscos
Firstly of palm-fringed waterfront boulevard Cinta Costera, Mercado de Mariscos is Panama Metropolis’s ever-lively fish market.
Stalls show big spiny lobsters on ice, filleted fish neatly stacked and freshly caught shrimp piled excessive. On the restaurant upstairs, you may benefit from the catch of the day cooked to order.
Don’t miss the citrus-heavy ceviche, served heaped into Styrofoam cups. This widespread order is greatest paired with an ice-cold beer.
6. Sip the Champagne of coffees
There’s espresso – after which there’s Gesha espresso. It’s Panama’s most-prized brew, and one of many world’s most interesting (and costliest) sorts of espresso you’ll discover wherever.
Initially introduced over from Ethiopia, Gesha espresso beans have been discovered to thrive in Panama’s humid local weather, significantly within the high-altitude Chiriquí area.
However you’ll have to avoid wasting your {dollars} to get pleasure from it, batches of Gesha espresso have bought for as a lot as US$6000 per pound. In Casco, you may sip the Champagne of coffees at Café Unido or Tiempos within the American Commerce Resort; count on to pay US$10–15 per cup.
7. Store for molas whereas admiring seafront views
Casco’s fascinating streets are packed right into a small peninsula that juts out into the Pacific – and the water views from listed below are thus spectacular, with large ships ready to cross via the canal set towards the skyscrapers of downtown.
One of the best outlook is from Paseo Esteban Huertas, a reasonably promenade constructed atop the previous metropolis’s outer wall. Underneath a cover of bougainvillea, this scenic path runs from Plaza de Francia to the previous Membership Unión (which stood in for a Bolivian villa within the Bond flick Quantum of Solace).
Alongside the waterfront, Indigenous Kuna ladies promote the embroidered molas (handmade textile panels) for which the nation is known.
8. Get into the spirit of rum at Pedro Mandinga
Pedro Mandinga is Panama’s first artisanal craft rum distillery, and the primary devoted rum bar to open in Casco Viejo.
Tropical-print armchairs, rattan ceiling followers and classic salsa data make this a simple spot to whereas away a day (comfortable hour runs day by day from midday to 6pm).
Earlier than ordering your drink, ask to pattern the silver and spiced home rums made with rapadura pure cane sugar. Whereas the menu right here boasts an incredible assortment of cocktails, nothing beats the Mandinga mojitos.
9. Admire the neighborhood from above at a rooftop bar
Casco is town’s nightlife hub, with a formidable variety of rooftops the place you may get pleasure from Panama’s year-round warm weather.
Lazotea, atop the trendy boutique Hotel Casa Panama, gives glowing skyline views and an opportunity to dip within the pool between drinks. (It was the primary rooftop within the previous city to have its personal pool).
The rooftop bar at Tantalo is eternally widespread, whereas Casa Casco is the place well-dressed Panameños go for 360° views of town and the bay.
10. Pattern the wealthy flavors of Panamanian delicacies
For soul-nourishing and extremely photogenic updates of conventional Panamanian delicacies, don’t miss Fonda lo Que Hay, probably the greatest eating places in Casco Viejo (and all of Panama).
No matter else you order on the regularly refreshed menu right here, attempt the deliciously dressed patacones (twice-fried plantains).
To feast on a number of of Panama’s nationwide dishes below one roof, Diablicos is your greatest eating choice in Casco. Favorites embrace get pleasure from hearty sancocho (a broth of rooster, corn on the cob, starchy greens and cilantro), or ropa vieja, a shredded-meat dish.
On sure evenings, the restaurant places on a showstopping presentation that features singing, dancing, drumming and appearances by diablico sucios (soiled devils), outstanding characters in Panamanian folklore.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe primary go to of Hawaiian royals to London two centuries in the past will characteristic in a brand new exhibit on the British Museum.
Hawai’i: A Kingdom Crossing Oceans is a “dazzling celebration of the wealthy artistry of Hawaiian makers, previous current and future”, based on the museum.
The exhibition, which opens in January, will commemorate greater than 200 years for the reason that go to of Hawaiian King Liholiho and Queen Kamāmalu to London in 1824 when the royal delegation have been searching for an alliance and safety from the Crown.
This journey to the capital included a go to to the British Museum – the primary file of Native Hawaiian royals on the museum.
Royal Assortment Enterprises LtdThe exhibition will characteristic round 150 objects and artworks together with many by no means seen within the UK.
Among the many highlights is an ahu ʻula, a feathered cloak despatched in 1810 by the primary king of unified Hawaiʻi, Kamehameha I, to King George III.
Lent by King Charles III from the Royal Assortment, the cloak will probably be on show for the primary time in over 100 years, alongside the Hawaiian king’s authentic letter requesting assist and safety from the British Crown.
Trustees of the British MuseumGuests to the museum will probably be greeted on the steps of the Nice Courtroom by a nine-foot (2.7m) picture of the god Kū, the god of warfare and governance, dressed with a recent loincloth and standing atop a pole rediscovered inside a historic plinth.
A finely carved drum accompanied by an historic chant recounting early Polynesian migrations to Hawaii will characteristic alongside a bowl with determine, not too long ago returned from mortgage to Hawaii’s Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, that represents actions of individuals and objects between the Pacific and the UK.
The Anglo-Franco proclamation of 1843, on mortgage from The Nationwide Archives, highlights the UK and France’s formal recognition of Hawaii’s independence and emphasises diplomatic bonds between the nations.
Trustees of the British MuseumThe creation of the exhibition concerned “the meticulous conservation of ancestral treasures and the inclusion of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi (the Hawaiian language) all through the area”, the British Museum mentioned.
Dr Alice Christophe, head of Oceania on the museum, mentioned the exhibit is a tribute to Native Hawaiian makers, previous and current.
She added: “It tells the story of the deep and layered relationship between Hawaii and the UK, reflecting on care, sovereignty and the complexity of allyship.
“We hope this present will spark conversations and uplift folks within the archipelago and past.”
The exhibition will run from 15 January to 25 May 2026.
France is a rustic steeped in historical past, and nowhere is that this extra evident than its fantastically preserved medieval cities.
From Alsace’s timber-framed homes to Provence’s dramatic hilltop villages.
These cities permit guests to step again in time, wander cobblestone streets, marvel at historical structure, and expertise the appeal of bygone eras.
On this listing, we’ve gathered 20 of the best-preserved medieval cities in France that you simply completely should see.
20 Greatest Medieval Cities in France To Go to
Scroll down to find the 20 finest medieval cities in France that needs to be on each historical past buff and tradition fanatic’s bucket listing!
1. Riquewihr, Alsace
Riquewihr is a picturesque village in Alsace typically described as some of the lovely in France.
Its well-preserved Sixteenth-century structure, with colourful half-timbered homes lining slender cobblestone streets, makes it really feel like stepping right into a fairy story.
Guests ought to come right here to expertise the distinctive Alsatian tradition, discover the encircling vineyards, and style the area’s well-known wines.
Don’t miss the Dolder Tower, a Thirteenth-century defensive gate, or wine cellars providing tastings. The Alsace villages are among the most picturesque places in France.
2. Eguisheim, Alsace
Eguisheim, a cute fairytale town in France, is thought for its concentric round format and vibrant floral shows.
The city’s magnificence lies in its colourful medieval homes, charming central sq., and surrounding vineyards.
Guests will take pleasure in strolling by the slender streets, visiting the Chapel of St. Leo IX, and mountain climbing the close by Three Castles path.
The city can also be well-known for its storks, which nest on rooftops throughout summer time.
3. Rocamadour, Occitanie
One in all France’s most unique towns is Rocamadour, a vertical village dramatically constructed into the face of a cliff. Its beautiful location and spiritual significance make it a must-visit place that needs to be in your France bucket list.
The city is dwelling to a number of vital spiritual websites, together with the Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Guests can climb the Grand Escalier (Nice Staircase) to the château on the prime, which gives breathtaking views of the Alzou Canyon.
4. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne
Sarlat is without doubt one of the best-preserved medieval cities in France, well-known for its golden stone buildings and gastronomic delights.
Guests ought to come right here to wander the labyrinthine streets, discover the bustling market, and take pleasure in native specialties like foie gras and truffles.
Don’t miss the panoramic view from the highest of the Sainte-Marie church tower or a go to to the Manoir de Gisson.
5. Dinan, Brittany
Dinan is a walled city recognized for its spectacular ramparts, half-timbered homes, and picturesque port.
Guests will love strolling alongside the previous metropolis partitions, exploring the quaint Rue du Jerzual, and having fun with a meal at one of many cafes alongside the previous port.
The city’s magnificence is enhanced by its location overlooking the Rance River. Go to the Château de Dinan and climb the Tour de l’Horloge for panoramic views.
6. Honfleur, Normandy
Honfleur, with its picturesque previous harbor and slate-covered home facades, has lengthy been a favourite topic for artists.
Guests come for the charming ambiance, maritime historical past, and glorious seafood eating places.
Key points of interest embody the wood Church of Saint Catherine, the Eugene Boudin Museum, and the gorgeous Jardin des Personnalités.
7. Perouges, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Perouges is a superbly preserved medieval walled city that appears frozen in time. Its cobbled streets and stone homes make it a preferred movie location.
Guests ought to expertise life in a Fifteenth-century city, style the native specialty “galette de Pérouges,” and benefit from the peaceable ambiance. Don’t miss the central Place du Tilleul or the Eglise-Forteresse.
8. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
Perched excessive above the Lot River, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a shocking medieval village that has impressed many artists. Its magnificence lies in its dramatic setting, Gothic facades, and slender alleyways.
Guests can discover quite a few artisan outlets, hike within the surrounding space, or take a ship journey on the Lot River. The village is especially magical within the night when the day-trippers have left.
9. Gordes, Provence
Gordes is a placing hilltop village within the Luberon area, well-known for its stone buildings cascading down the hillside.
Guests come for the breathtaking views, particularly at sundown, and to discover the encircling lavender fields and olive groves.
Key points of interest embody the Sixteenth-century château, the close by Sénanque Abbey, and the standard Tuesday market.
10. Locronan, Brittany
Locronan is a small city that has maintained its Renaissance appeal, with granite homes and an exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the dearth of seen trendy infrastructure, making it really feel actually timeless. The city is thought for its spiritual heritage, conventional Breton festivals, and as a filming location.
Don’t miss the Church of Saint Ronan or the native artisan workshops.
11. Cordes-sur-Ciel, Occitanie
Cordes-sur-Ciel, or “Cordes within the Sky,” is aptly named for its hilltop location, typically shrouded in morning mist. This bastide city is thought for its well-preserved Gothic structure and thriving arts scene.
Guests ought to come to discover the medieval homes, go to artisan workshops, and revel in panoramic views of the countryside. The city hosts a well-known medieval competition every July.
12. Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Mont Saint-Michel is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in France, a medieval marvel that rises dramatically from the ocean.
This UNESCO World Heritage website is a small rocky island topped by a shocking abbey and surrounded by a picturesque village.
Guests are drawn by its distinctive structure, wealthy historical past, and the fascinating phenomenon of maximum tides that isolate and join it to the mainland.
Discover the winding streets, go to the magnificent abbey, and be taught concerning the website’s significance as a pilgrimage heart.
13. Minerve, Occitanie
Minerve is a small village with a dramatic historical past, perched on a rocky peninsula between two deep gorges. Guests come for its Cathar historical past, beautiful pure setting, and glorious native wines.
Discover the village’s slender streets, go to the Twelfth-century church, and be taught concerning the Cathar siege on the small museum.
14. Monpazier, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Monpazier is without doubt one of the best-preserved bastide cities in France, recognized for its excellent grid format and exquisite central sq..
Guests will admire the well-preserved medieval and Seventeenth-century structure, the lined market corridor, and the peaceable ambiance.
15. Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is nestled between two rocky cliffs, with a star suspended on a series between them.
The city is known for its advantageous porcelain and proximity to the Verdon Gorge – one of many best places in the French Riviera area.
Guests ought to discover the slender streets, go to the Notre Dame de Beauvoir chapel perched above the city, and store for native ceramics.
16. Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, Occitanie
Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert is a serene medieval village tucked right into a dramatic gorge on the pilgrim path to Santiago de Compostela.
Its UNESCO-listed Gellone Abbey, with its exceptional Romanesque structure, rises above a maze of slender streets and stone homes.
Don’t miss the abbey’s lovely cloister, the Place de la Liberté with its historical elm tree, or the satan’s bridge spanning the gorge.
17. Conques, Occitanie
Conques is a jewel of Romanesque artwork nestled in a wooded gorge in Occitanie.
Its magnificent Abbey Church of Saint Foy, with its intricate tympanum and golden reliquary, has drawn pilgrims for hundreds of years alongside the Santiago de Compostela route.
Don’t miss the treasury’s medieval goldsmith assortment, the carved capitals within the cloister, or the sundown view from the Bancarel viewpoint.
18. Najac, Occitanie
Najac is a shocking medieval fortress city perched dramatically alongside a single ridge excessive above the Aveyron River.
Its majestic Thirteenth-century royal fortress stands on the highest level, whereas the village’s stone and half-timbered homes stretch alongside the ridge in a novel linear format.
Don’t miss the Gothic church of Saint-Jean with its uncommon fortified options, the panoramic views from the fortress hold, or the traditional lined market corridor the place native farmers promote their produce.
19. Vézelay, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Vézelay is a hilltop village in Burgundy topped by its magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.
This UNESCO World Heritage website rises majestically above the Remedy Valley, its golden stone glowing within the sundown whereas its medieval streets are lined with historic homes and ramparts.
Don’t miss the spectacular views over the Burgundian countryside, or the home the place Jules Roy lived, now a literature museum.
20. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Saint-Paul-de-Vence is a remarkably preserved medieval city perched on a hilltop close to Good, remodeled into an inventive haven within the twentieth century.
Its large medieval ramparts encircle slender cobblestone streets lined with elegant stone homes, whereas up to date artwork galleries and boutiques occupy historical buildings.
Remaining Ideas on The Greatest French Medieval Cities
Exploring France’s medieval cities is like stepping right into a residing historical past e-book.
Every village gives a novel glimpse into the nation’s wealthy previous, well-preserved structure, and timeless appeal.
From the long-lasting Mont Saint-Michel to the lesser-known gems like Perouges, these cities present unforgettable experiences for historical past lovers, tradition lovers, and informal vacationers alike.
Able to plan your trip in France? Use our complete France Travel Guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the unbelievable locations.
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